CONTROLLING SPREAD OF DISEASES THROUGH MODERN SWITCHES

Whether at home or in any of the public places, electric switches are the components, which are touched by the maximum number of people. Thus, these are the high potential junctions to spread infections in multiple directions. Contactless switching is the best way to prevent communication of diseases… - P. K. Chatterjee (P. K.)

When the entire world is worried about the COVID -19 pandemic, which has already killed more than 3,155,048 people, the electrical goods segment has come forward to deliver its contribution to mitigate the chance of infection. The coronavirus disease is caused by a virus (SARS-CoV-X), and not by a bacteria or fungus. Thus, the best way to mitigate its activities is by maintaining distance from the surface on which it is present. Therefore, remote operation of electrical circuitry is a nice way to avoid contact with the devices like switches.

Electric switches are one of the mostly used components in the electrical circuits, which frequently receive multiple human contacts, whereby the chance of the spread of infection becomes manifold – however, frequent cleaning or sanitization of the electrical switches is not practically possible. Thus, this is the high time when the user community gets some products (switches) that offer inherent resistance to all disease causing agents.

Weak body or low immunity also increases the chance of catching the dreadful CORONA disease; thus, besides encountering CORONA; prevention of spread and attacks of bacteria, fungi and other germs is also equally important. With this backdrop, let us now look at some of the significant products that have been rolled out in this CORONA time, in India. There are many others, but all cannot be touched upon within this small article.

Srinivas Shanbhogue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schneider Electric in action

As switches are the most touched and used appliances at our homes and workplaces, naturally they are prone to be the major breeding grounds for all sorts of viruses and germs.

Schneider Electric has launched self-disinfecting anti-viral and anti-bacterial switches under its Clipsal X product range. Meeting international standards of testing, the switches are powered by Silver Ion technology that can kill over 99.9% of germs and self-disinfects itself. Available in two variants, these products have been conceptualised and manufactured in India as a part of Schneider Electric’s commitments towards the making of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Schneider Electric has developed these switches using the state-of-the-art technology. They are designed to ensure the highest safety in our everyday lives and add to the existing portfolio of anti-bacterial switches by Schneider Electric. Technologically advanced, the Clipsal X range and its trendy dual-tone variants can complement the look of any home perfectly. They are also smart – ready and can easily be operated through mobile phones, Google Home or Alexa when connected to any Smart Home solution.

Commenting on the efficacy of these switches, Srinivas Shanbhogue, VP, Home and Distribution, Schneider Electric India, said, “The new Clipsal range of anti-viral and anti-bacterial switches are our latest innovation in the connected living device category. With its unique proposition of style, safety and strength, these energy efficiency products can not only infuse character and life to any space but also make safety of the users a top priority,” which is the need of the hour.

Antimicrobial switches from Panasonic Life Solutions India…

Role of Panasonic Life Solutions India

Considering the alarming spread of the variants of COVID-19 viruses, a few months back, Panasonic Life Solutions India launched antimicrobial range of wiring devices.

As the company points out: Light switches, such as dimmers and sockets have the highest touch rates in any environment (say) at home or a public facility. This in turn increases the possibility of bacteria or viruses to hold a significant number of microbes on their surfaces.

The company’s antimicrobial electrical switches and sockets series under Roma, Europa and Vision will offer comprehensive safety features. The new range of Antimicrobial wiring accessories is equipped with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that promote a healthy environment by facilitating up to 99% reduction in bacterial development and prevents transmission. These series are excellently designed and are made from polycarbonate that contains silver ions. These ions act as robust support to kill the bacteria, stopping their growth on the product surface. The silver ions antibacterial structure is immune to light and heat and will further assist in fighting the germs for people’s safety.

Manufactured in India, this innovative range is combined with high quality and durability acting as a modern solution for any domestic wiring requirement. These switches and sockets don’t lose the antibacterial life even after years of use, hence providing value for money and security to the customer. This range offers a plethora of features like an extra layer of protection and fire retardancy by providing an all-inclusive safety cover.

Moreover, given the current pandemic situation, there will be a high demand for products that emphasize more on healthcare technologies. It will be a game-changer for future building designs that will help people feel safe and comfortable.

Myrius Next Gen from Legrand…

Products of Havells India Limited

Last year, Havells India Limited also launched its anti-bacterial/ anti-fungal switches under its Crabtree electric switch range. The innovative switch range named Athena, Signia and Verona can contain the growth and spread of harmful microbes through human touch with 99.99% efficacy. The switch range will act as a catalyst to lead a ‘Healthy life’ for customers by avoiding bacteria led diseases like food poisoning, pneumonia, conjunctivitis etc.

As per the company, with the context of the pandemic, it has become imperative to ensure hygiene and infection control in all kinds of facilities such as hospitals, hotels, institutes and homes etc., more than ever. The offering from the brand uses metal compounds that are more effective than metal oxides and other metal complexes and have higher efficacy as compared to silver ions to contain the growth of bacteria and fungi. Along with that, the range of switches offers a long-lasting usage with good weatherability that ensures non-discoloration under high temp and humidity. The product’s base material is approved by FDA, ECHA and EPA – and has also been tested by the third-party labs such as JIS and ISO.

The feat of Legrand India

Legrand India has also come out with its range of wiring devices ‘Myrius Next Gen’. This is expected to build a value and strengthen Legrand’s presence in the premium segment with its modern technology. The product range is targeted at the residential and commercial segment with also a focus on architects, builders, electricians, consultants, contractors, developers, system integrators and retailers.

This new range of products has been developed using the intelligence of IoT that includes wireless technology, controlling it remotely (even when away from home), voice control, app control, can monitor electricity usage and get alerts. With this the brand promises its customers savings, safety, convenience and control.

Legrand’s IoT enabled Home/Away Wireless Master Switch lets its users switch on or off multiple things like all lights, shutters or sockets by just pressing one switch at home or by tapping the app on the user’s phone, even when the user is out of home. All the products in this range are designed in such a way that it is retrofittable, now the customers don’t need to worry about changing the electrical infrastructure.

Bottomline

With the spread of the dreadful CORONA disease, when the citizens of India are repeatedly being advised to maintain social distancing and avoid spread of contamination through repeated hand washing, remote-controlled switches are very useful. Also, the anti-fungal or anti-bacterial switches that are now available in the domestic market have a great role to prevent many other diseases.


 By P. K. Chatterjee (P. K.)

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